Vastu shastra and feng shui are much talked about topics, however many people get confused between the two which leads to a situation where they cannot reap the benefits of either of them. They both share some principles but are different from each other. In Vastu Shastra, Vastu means dwelling while shastra means science, on the other hand,  in feng shui, Feng means air while Shui means water. JD Institute Of Fashion technology is here with the difference between both the terms but first, let’s discuss the commonalities between the two:

Origin: Vastu shastra is around a thousand years older than feng shui and principles of feng shui are originated from Vastu shastra

Basis: Practices of both Vastu shastra and feng shui are based upon the powerful cosmic energies. One of the major elements between the two is that each practice is backed by mathematical calculations.

Do’s and Don’ts: Both Vastu shastra and feng shui believe in providing remedies with regards to placing objects and tools to improve energies in an environment. Both the practices clearly forbid cluttering around 

Chi and Prana: Feng Shui’s philosophy is created around the flow of energy known as chi in the Chinese culture while Hindu culture calls it prana for Vastu shastra

Energy Fields: Center of the home is where all the energies combine making it the most significant part of the home is what both the practices believe in. Eight compass directions are used to determine placement or architecture in both practices.

Difference between Vastu shastra and feng shui

Basis of Principles: while feng shui is based upon geographical considerations, Vastu shastra on the other hand is based upon science.

Way of Life vs Architecture: Vastu shastra is more about planning a home according to the guidelines given under it while feng shui promotes a positive method of life. South reflects auspiciousness in feng shui as it takes advantage of the fact that the sun moves from east to west.

Auspicious Direction: According to Feng Shui, the south is regarded as auspicious as it takes benefit of the fact that the sun moves from the east to west, and Vastu Shastra, on the other hand, considers north as auspicious as it is the source of magnetic energy

Colours: Vastu shastra reflects that the wall should be painted in bright colors while Feng Shui on the other hand Feng Shui reflects that a home should be bathed in soothing colors such as cream, beige etc

Objects Used: Another difference is in the objects used in both theories. While Feng Shui makes use of wind chimes, laughing buddha, and bamboos, Vastu shastra on the other hand emphasizes placing Ganesha idols or use tulsi plants.

North-East Issue: according to both theories, the north-east is considered as a zone that is supposed to rule the mind. While Vastu shastra emphasize putting water in these directions, Feng Shui emphasizes putting earthen things here as it believes it is governed by the earth element.

Application of Both the Theories at Home

• Centre of the Home

Vastu Shastra for Home: Center of the home should receive the highest amount of quality of energy due to which open spaces or courtyards should be there

Feng Shui: The centre of the home is known as the heart of the house in Feng Shui due to which this space should be kept clean along with happy energies

• Entrance of the Home

Vastu Shastra Tips: as north and east are considered being the auspicious direction, experts says that the front door should be placed in these directions

Feng Shui: According to Feng Shui, the most ideal direction for entrance is south 

• Kitchen

Vastu Shastra for Home: kitchen should not be located above or below the bathroom, pooja room, or bedroom while south-east direction should be planned for the kitchen and bright colors should be used

Feng Shui: according to Feng Shui, the kitchen should be placed right in front of the entrance of the house and warm colors should be used

• Bedroom

Vastu Shastra Tips: the master bedroom especially should be made in the south-west corner of the house. Southeast should be avoided as it attracts quarrels or misunderstanding between couples

Feng Shui:  according to feng shui, the color of the bedroom and position is emphasized, pearly white or dark chocolate brown should be preferred and the bed should be placed diagonally from the door

Now that you are clear with the distinction between both the terms, you can deduce which one to use for your home as you will know what to keep in mind. JD Institute personally recommends Vastu shastra as most of the designers and architects use these principles.